Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump as much blood as the body requires. This ineffective pumping can lead to enlargement of the heart as the myocardium works harder pump the same amount of blood. Heart failure may be caused by defects in the myocardium, such as an a heart attack infarct, or due to structural issues such as severe heart valve regurgitation. Heart failure can be divided into HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The disease is further divided into four New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes. Stage IV heart failure is when the heart is completely failing and requires a heart transplant or hemodynamic support from a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

Former NBA champion, Survivor contestant now fighting for his life as he waits for a heart transplant

Scot Pollard has a long family history of heart disease, and he’s been on a watch list for several years now due to his size. He's been in and out of hospitals for more than three years due to an ongoing fight with cardiomyopathy. 

February 8, 2024
Francisco Arabia, MD, Banner Health, explains trends in total artificial hearts (TAH) in advanced heart failure patients and what is coming in new technology.

Total artificial hearts: Exploring the future of heart transplant technology with a renowned surgeon

Francisco Arabia, MD, spoke with Cardiovascular Business about the present and future of total artificial heart technology.

February 5, 2024
Procyrion's Aortix percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS) device targets acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS).

Heart failure specialists raise $58M for new device designed to improve cardiac, renal function

Researchers are presently tracking the safety and effectiveness of the new device in patients with ADHF compared to diuretics alone. 

February 5, 2024
Tablet projecting metaphorical medical hologram

AI-powered risk score predicts how heart failure patients will respond to loop diuretics

New research out of Texas could go a long way toward improving care for patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

January 31, 2024
weight loss scale overweight obese lose weight pounds

TAVR in patients with severe obesity: Longer hospital stays, higher costs, more health risks

The CDC defines severe obesity, or class III obesity, as any patient with a BMI of 40 or higher. TAVR among these patients is not associated with a lower survival rate, but it does lead to many more risks.

January 19, 2024

Heart transplant recipients face increased risk of maternal complications when giving birth

Today's cardiologists are fielding more questions than ever about the safety of giving birth following a heart transplant. 

January 12, 2024
Bruce Wilkoff, MD, a veteran cardiologist with Cleveland Clinic

Cardiologist Bruce Wilkoff remembered as a ‘pioneer’ of electrophysiology, ‘beacon of medical excellence’

Friends, colleagues and professional societies have all shared loving tributes to the veteran electrophysiologist, who died at the age of 69. 

January 12, 2024
Stephanie Golab, MD, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains statistics on heart transplant outcomes in older adults

It may be time to revisit patient selection protocols for heart transplants

In a new video interview, Stephanie Golab, MD, examines the latest data on heart transplant outcomes in older adults.

January 8, 2024

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup